SSP074 Story Research

07/24/19 • 46 min

The Story Studio Podcast - Writing, Storytelling, and Marketing Advice for Writers & Business

Almost literally, Sterling and Stone is a house built on research... or the lack thereof. In part, our collaboration started because of a research roadblock, a dare, and putting a Unicorn in a Western novel. And though we proudly retell that story when it’s useful, the reality of our day-to-day storytelling is different. We do a lot of research. The trick is chasing the right lead. In today’s podcast, we share how we approach the research portion of our pre-production and give a few hacks to help you avoid the Wikipedia research hole.
We Talk About:
Sean is reading and re-reading the Jim Collins catalog and enjoying it.
Dave is reading Lost Connections by Johann Hari (https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Connections-Uncovering-Depression-Unexpected-ebook/dp/B07583XJRW/).
Johnny is absolutely enjoying-without-any-hate-watching-what-so-ever Riverdale, Season 3 (https://www.netflix.com/title/80133311).
The distinction between “get to research” and “have to research.”
Using research for immersion and character.
Dave’s need for authenticity.
Directing the camera and trusting the reader’s imagination.
Acquiring new experiences.
The 80/20 rule for research and finding the few details that matter.
Johnny and Sean’s favorite hacks for side-stepping deep research.
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You are the main character of your own story, so why not construct your story the way a writer does? The Story Solution will show you how! If you’re ready to take charge of your life the way a writer takes charge of their story, then pick up your copy today: https://sterlingandstone.net/storysolution
All of our best writing and publishing advice in one, affordable book bundle: http://sterlingandstone.net/locker.
To get live show reminders: https://sterlingandstone.net/liveshow.

Previous Episode

SSP073 Vacations for Creatives

Vacations are an opportunity to rest and refresh. But when you’re a storyteller with certain habits, a vacation can throw off your entire groove. In today’s episode, we talk about each of us use our vacation time and why it’s important for creative minds to have a vacation to inspire new work.
We Talk About:
Sean has been watching The United States of Tara (https://www.hulu.com/series/united-states-of-tara-a9e4adad-ad35-4e4b-be22-83b4b0bd1ed3).
Dave has been watching OA (https://www.netflix.com/title/80044950).
Johnny is outlining a new book.
How Sean vacations: downshifting.
How Johnny vacations: binary
How Dave vacations: catching up.
Johnny’s last vacation shifted his perspective on his daily work.
Clearing emotional plaque.
—
You are the main character of your own story, so why not construct your story the way a writer does? The Story Solution will show you how! If you’re ready to take charge of your life the way a writer takes charge of their story, then pick up your copy today: https://sterlingandstone.net/storysolution
All of our best writing and publishing advice in one, affordable book bundle: http://sterlingandstone.net/locker.
To get live show reminders: https://sterlingandstone.net/liveshow.

Next Episode

SSP075 Story Inspiration

“Where do you get your ideas?” It’s a question that every author gets asked at least once in their career. And the true answer is never satisfying to the untrained eye: “Ideas are all around you.” In today’s podcast, we talk about what inspires us to tell great stories and our process when actively looking for inspiration.
We Talk About:
Watching and reading stories for inspiration for your own work.
Inspiration vs. Execution.
Watching shows that lost their way and figuring out why.
What Johnny listens to when writing different stories.
What the guys look for in inspiration.
—
You are the main character of your own story, so why not construct your story the way a writer does? The Story Solution will show you how! If you’re ready to take charge of your life the way a writer takes charge of their story, then pick up your copy today: https://sterlingandstone.net/storysolution
All of our best writing and publishing advice in one, affordable book bundle: http://sterlingandstone.net/locker.
To get live show reminders: https://sterlingandstone.net/liveshow.